Washington Heights Neighborhood, Brighton
Crime Rate & Statistics
High crime area — significantly above-average crime rates
Safety at a Glance
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in Brighton
Is Washington Heights Safe?
No — this is a high-crime area. Washington Heights in Brighton, MA has a safety grade of D. The overall crime index is 191, which is 91% above the national average of 100.
Compared to the Brighton average (crime index 116), Washington Heights is 75% higher in overall crime. Residents and visitors should exercise extra caution in this area, particularly after dark.
Looking at specific crime types, rape is the most elevated concern (index: 191, 91% above average), while burglary is the lowest risk (index: 76). Violent crime is a particular area of concern relative to property crime in this neighborhood.
Washington Heights Crime Breakdown
Crime indices compared to national average (100) and Brighton city average. Higher values mean more crime.
| Crime Type | Index | vs National | Risk Level | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Violent Crime | ||||
|
Murder
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Assault
|
188 | +88% | High | |
|
Robbery
|
121 | +21% | Moderate | |
|
Rape
|
191 | +91% | High | |
| Property Crime | ||||
|
Burglary
|
76 | -24% | Low | |
|
Larceny / Theft
|
143 | +43% | Moderate | |
|
Vehicle Theft
|
188 | +88% | High | |
How Washington Heights Compares
Crime index by category: Washington Heights vs Brighton average vs national average.
Crime by Category
Overall Crime Comparison
Washington Heights Crime Map
Crime heatmap based on block-group level data. Red areas indicate higher crime density.
See the crime score for a specific address
Washington Heights Demographics & Context
Education
Housing
Racial Demographics
Nearby Neighborhoods
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the crime rate in Washington Heights, Brighton?
Washington Heights in Brighton, MA has a crime safety grade of D as of 2026. The overall crime index is 191, which is 91% above the national average. Compared to the Brighton average, crime in Washington Heights is 75% higher.
Is Washington Heights a safe neighborhood in Brighton?
Washington Heights has elevated crime levels with a safety grade of D. Extra caution is recommended, especially at night. The highest concern is Rape (index: 191), while Burglary is the lowest risk (index: 76).
How does Washington Heights compare to the rest of Brighton?
Washington Heights's overall crime index is 191, compared to the Brighton average of 116. This means crime in Washington Heights is 75% higher than the city average. For violent crime, the index is 172, and for property crime it is 136. However, crime can vary block by block, so checking the crime map for specific streets is recommended.
What type of crime is most common in Washington Heights?
The most prevalent crime type in Washington Heights is Rape, with a crime index of 191 (91% above the national average). Violent crime is a particular concern in this neighborhood relative to property crime.
What are safer neighborhoods near Washington Heights?
Nearby neighborhoods with good safety ratings include Brighton. These areas are close to Washington Heights and offer lower crime rates, making them worth considering for residents who prioritize safety.
What are the demographics of Washington Heights?
Washington Heights has a population of approximately 20. The median household income is $20,827. The median home value is $100,061. Research shows that economic factors can correlate with crime rates, though many other variables play a role in neighborhood safety.
How does Washington Heights crime compare to the national average?
Washington Heights's overall crime rate is 91% above the national average (index 191 vs 100). For the most accurate picture, review the per-crime-type breakdown above, as some categories may differ significantly from the overall trend.
Crime data sourced from FBI UCR reports and local law enforcement agencies. Crime indices use 100 as the national average. Updated April 2026.